Uterine Artery Embolization for Symptomatic Fibroids Uterus in Gaza, A retrospective cohort study - Abstract
Background: To evaluate interventional success, clinical success and reduction of fibroid diameter after uterine artery embolization (UAE) for patients with symptomatic fibroid uterus in Gaza
Methods: A retrospective cohort study at the Alshifa hospital and al-Hayat hospital in Gaza , Palestine, The study was done between October 2016 and July 2022. The total 32 patients were undergoing UAE for symptomatic fibroid uterus who refused surgical treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done before and 6 months after UAE. Primary outcome: clinical success is the improvement of the patients presenting symptoms, such as menorrhagia or pain without additional therapy. Secondary outcome: interventional success is a complete occlusion in both uterine arteries and reduction measures of fibroid diameter after 6 months after embolization.
Results: Of 32 patients with mean age 44±7.6 years and follow-up between 6-70 months, 30 (93.7%) patients completed follow-up, 1 (3 %) patient had a second procedure and 2 (6 %) were lost to follow-up. Primary outcome: the improvement of symptoms, such as menorrhagia or bulk-related pain without additional therapy was seen in 29 (90%) patients. one patient underwent surgery hysterectomy on 14 months after UAE related complaints and failure of conservative treatment and 2 patients still received therapy to control symptoms. interventional success is a complete occlusion in both uterine arteries was seen in 31 (97%) patients. The mean dominant fibroid diameter reduced from 6.2 ± 2.4 cm to 1.7± 1.44 cm (p = 0.001)
Conclusions: Uterine artery embolization significant improvements in fibroid uterus symptoms and long -term follow-ups with low complication rates and very good clinical efficacy.